Need a bigger pack for family trips this year. My ULA Circuit was usable for single night trips last year, carried fine, but very tight on space. Won't cut it for multi-night trips.

Need at least 60L in the main part of the pack (the Circuit's is 48L), and the ability to comfortably carry 35 lbs (i.e. a frame or very effective stays). Lighter than 3 lbs would be nice, but must be lighter than 4 lbs. Cost < $400, so that rules out custom McHales and such.

My research so far:

1. Per the website, the ULA Catalyst doesn't really have much more volume than the Circuit (an extra 300 cubic inches in the main bag + extension collar). Bummer, because I like the Circuit. Can anyone verify this?

2. Many of the major brands(Osprey, Gregory, Deuter, Granite Gear, etc.) have light packs but often top out on volume right at 60L. I plan to try on a Granite Gear Blaze and Deuter Act Zero or Act Lite, and an Osprey Atmos 65. All are either a bit smaller or heavier than I'd like. Am I missing any obvious choices?

3. Golite's website appears to finally show their packs back in stock. How is the latest version of the Quest?

4. The HMG Porter 4400 looks perfect on paper (huge and crazy light), if its comfortable enough. How does its comfort and load carrying ability compare to all the other 3-4 lb packs of similar size? It seems too good to be true (light, big, carries loads well?).

My wife and I love our ACT lites. Inexpensive, reasonably light, comfy, great volume. That being said, I recently picked up an external frame jansport scout, and plan to use it on my next trip. Removing two unnecessary bars it weighs less than my Deuter, should be less sweaty, and should be at least as comfy if not more so. We'll see, but so far in the house it is all of those.

You could pick one up on Craigslist for $20-$30, and it can have as much volume as you want if you need to strap stuff outside the pack. Bear can fits perfect under the pack...

My wife bought me the Porter (expedition) about 1.5 years ago for family trips. Before that, I used to use a Dana Designs terra plane (about 7 lb for pack alone).

I'm pretty happy with the expedition pack, and it has become my go-to winter pack as well. The compression system is great. I've shrunk it pretty well around 9 lb of gear and had it stuffed to the gills with probably 35-40 lbs of gear. Not sure about exact weight, as I make it a practice not to weigh family stuff, but I carried 3 sleeping bags, 3 pads, tent, extra changes of kids clothes, sweaters, jackets, real food, kids toys, etc....

It is a great platform for strapping skis and snowshoes, is built tough, has just the right amount of padding, and the waterproofing is nice. Overall a great pack that I would buy again in a heartbeat.

As far as weaknesses, a wraparound hip belt would do a much better job when carrying heavy loads. I also have slight concerns about the way a couple seams were sewn (see below), but this has not yet manifested as a problem.

When you're with Dora it's time to explore

Seam under tension. I reinforced this area with seam grip and have seen no change with use.

See the thorough rolling review on this pack by RJ for durability info.

If you imagine the base of a pack in cross-section to resemble a rectangle, the hip-belt attaches at the corners, forming sort of a semi-circle: A Wraparound hipbelt would attach closer to, but not at, the centre of the side contacting the back of your hip girdle(near or at the base of the stays), forming a shape closer to that of your hips and, in general, giving better load transfer.

If you don't like the HMG Porter another option would be a Zimmerbuilt custom pack. I have one of his packs and like it a lot but I think the HMG packs carry heavy loads better.

If you want cheap pack look for the Jansport "Big Bear" pack. My brother picked up one for about $50 online and has carried some pretty heavy loads in it. It weighs about 4 pounds but that extra $350 could buy lots of other UL gear.

Definitely consider the Porter 4400 or alternatively ask HMG to fabricate a Windrider 4400 for you. Great carry. I should note, however, that these are slim, tall packs that some folks don't care for (pack above your shoulders).

On of the most comfortable 60L packs that I have used is the Granite Gear Nimbus Meridian. Better suspension than the blaze and custom shoulder harness and belt. The belt rotates and the shoulder straps will also rotate to your specific shoulder width. You can leave the top pocket at home and get it close to 3 lbs but that may be too heavy for you. Still, an excellent off the shelf carry.

I started backpacking with an Osprey Aether 70 and now use a Circuit and have a Blaze for a backup. I'd love to sell the Osprey but with four small kids I know I'm going to end up carrying way more than the other two will handle at some point. It's a good pack. Just heavy.

I carried 40+ lb in mine on the Larrapinta trail, and it carried well. The harness is extremely comfortable. Matthew is happy to do custom work, and made my pack with strategically placed Dyneema panels. Great workmanship.

Word is starting to get out about just how good these packs are for load hauling. ;)

If you want, I can sell you my Golite terrono 90L in a large for the price for which I bought it or I will return it this week. This is a relatively light load hauler. It is extremely comfortable and it has an even stiffer center stay and rail system than the new GoLite Quests. Therefore, I think it will do better with 50 + pounds than my Quest 80L. The Terrono also has a much wider and stiffer belt. You can see the great review that Backpacker gave it here:http://www.backpacker.com/fall-winter-gear-guide-2011-gear-review-golite-terrono-90/gear/15889and its specs here:http://www.golite.com/Ms-Terrono-90L-P958.aspxa video here:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GmVumgu9AsY

I am only returning the Terrono because the hip belt was too big for my skinny body. I need a medium. Please tell me if you want it soon for 99 dollars (the retail price) because I only used it once so GoLite offered to let me exchange it for the retail price. I hope my size medium Quest 80L works out because it has a much more flexible frame than what I'm used to for a big load hauler.

"From Ike on the HMG Porter: "As far as weaknesses, a wraparound hip belt would do a much better job when carrying heavy loads."

Not sure I understand this comment. The Porter does have a wrap around belt, secured by tensioning straps that pull the entire bottom of the pack (lumbar and side) into the belt. It effectively secures the stays to the belt.